HOME & FAMILY

The Israeli calendar recently dedicated itself to "Mental Health Week," during which newspapers nationwide headlined columns as the very one above. The fact that the subject came out in the open during this week goes to show that mental illness is still taboo even in the secular society. All the more so in our own.

Awakening the Sleeping Warrior
or White Gown With Strings Attached
by Varda Branfman

"All the disease which I put on Egypt, I shall not put on you, for I am Hashem your Healer"

With all the advances of modern medicine and pharmacology, we sometimes forget the Master Healer Himself, and the magnificent mechanism which Hashem implanted in our own bodies to heal itself. There are times when we must stand back and question that huge idol, Medicine, think for ourselves, and put ourselves in Other hands.

A powerful first-person experience.

PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE
Seeing Vision Problems
by R' Zvi Zobin

The check-up which a regular optometrist performs relates to only one aspect of vision. It can be compared to the work of a dentist who wants to help someone with a nutrition problem. Healthy teeth are desirable for healthy eating, but that is only one aspect of proper nutrition.

What's in a Jewish Name?
by Chevi G.

Both surnames and first names have a lot of significance to individuals as well as to Klal Yisroel. One of the merits our ancestors had for being redeemed from Egypt was that they didn't change their distinctive names, dress and language.

Uninvited
by Chaya Breger

Only in Israel would someone show up with five kids at a wedding without receiving an invitation!

But I was sure it was an oversight. After all, the sister of the kalla has been a mother's helper in my home for over two years and the kalla herself has been the assistant at my children's nursery school all year. I often saw their mother on the bus or at classes in our community.

CREATIVITY CORNER
Air, Heat and Movement
by Devora Piha

The dynamics of air, heat and movement make for unconventional painting and art methods. We don't have the control of a fine paintbrush but we do achieve fascinating and lively results. The following projects also fit in the category of experiential art/science activities. All three activities are great indoor winter projects.

Taste Tidbits
by Dr. Reuven Bruner, Ph.D.

* Taste buds first appear when a fetus is seven or eight weeks old and are functioning by the third trimester of pregnancy.

Your Medical Questions Answered!
by Joseph B. Leibman, MD

We were discussing fever, with a spotlight on kids. Let's look at some common causes of fever.

A not so uncommon cause of fever, and a dangerous one, was epiglottis. This disease caused inflammation of the epiglottis, the little cap that covers the breathing tube when food is going down the other pipe. It caused difficulty in breathing, a "hot potato" voice, drooling and high fever. The disease often required putting the child on a respirator.

All material on this site is copyrighted and its use is restricted.

Click here for conditions of use.